The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to activate both Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates off the injured list ahead of Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The return of both star relievers is monumental for a Dodgers bullpen that has been running on fumes for a majority of the season.
Kopech made his ninth appearance for Triple-A Oklahoma City last Sunday, which was his last. He faced four batters in a scoreless inning where he allowed a walk and struck out one.
Once Kopech arrived to the Dodgers via a three-team trade, the right-hander sported a 1.13 ERA across 24 appearances last season. In the postseason, Kopech made 10 appearances with a 3.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts.
Yates was sidelined by a hamstring strain in mid-May. The right-hander has a 4.34 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 1.286 WHIP across 18.2 innings of work this season.
The Dodgers acquired Yates in the offseason as the veteran was one of many pitching reinforcements the defending champions inked a deal with. The right-hander signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Dodgers.
Newly-signed Chris Stratton will likely be designated for assignment in order to make room on the roster. Justin Wrobleski, who got the start in Friday’s series opener at Busch Stadium, could also be optioned.
The southpaw allowed four earned runs across six innings.
